Wedding Party
Nicole Zemek
Maid of Honor
Alyssa and Nicole weirdly enough weren't even considered close friends in middle or high school! They had 1st period AP Psych together which mostly resulted in Alyssa giving Nicole the notes from the day. They also had multiple classes together, which we didn't even realize until a couple years after graduating high school. After high school, Nicole and Alyssa have bonded over vinyl records, books, and overall share so many commonalities with one another. Nicole is THAT FRIEND who will tell things how it is & give the reality checks that Alyssa needs. Nicole is also the friend who makes you feel like the most special person in the world. Without Nicole, Alyssa never would've thought about liking cats, and inspired Alyssa to adopt their fur baby, Charli! Alyssa and Nicole don't go a day without texting!
Neely Drake
Maid of Honor
Neely and Alyssa have been best friends since their kindergarten class together! Through growing up together in the elementary school years of trading best friend necklaces from Claires, the awkward phases of middle school (IYKYK about gorlisted), the countless walks to DQ in the summer, and somehow ending up at the same college and somehow not killing one another while we lived together for a year, they have been through it ALL. Each moment with Neely always ends in laughter, great vibes, and overall strengthens the besties more and more as time passes. Without Neely, Alyssa wouldn't be half of who she is today!
Julia Hayes
Bridesmaid
Alyssa and Julia met in 4th grade at a roller skating rink for a girl scout event. The night ended with Julia finding a light up baby pacifier and Alyssa throwing up her hot dog (very fitting for our friendship). From that day in 2008 to now, Alyssa and Julia have stayed friends through Alyssa being Julia's very official track & field manager, countless hangouts that ALWAYS include going somewhere for food, and overall amazing J & A adventures. Without Julia, Alyssa never would've known about a true bonded friendship from a long distance was. She also never would've learned what mini brands are! Julia makes sure that Alyssa never settles, and is the best hype woman a girl could ask for!
Rylee Whitney
Bridesmaid
Alyssa and Rylee met in Math 195 during their first semesters at Iowa State University (I know Rylee got a chill up her spine reading that sentence). Their friendship grew after having lunch together in their favorite dining center, convos, after class every day. From late night study sessions in the memorial union, Wednesdays with their chipotle/aldi/target runs (in that order), and early mornings laughing away at their favorite coffee shop, burgies. After working together during their junior and senior years at the Center for Technology in Learning and Teaching, they were quite the duo! Rylee is a friend that is always down for any adventure Alyssa wanted to go on (such as our day trip to canes on the weekends in Iowa). Alyssa learned what it meant to have a meaningful and loving friendship through Rylee. Without Rylee, Alyssa literally wouldn't laugh as much OR know so much about pop culture. Slay!
Kate Freund
Bridesmaid
Alyssa and Katie Lynn Marie met through their college job at the Center for Technology in Learning and Teaching during their sophomore year. Since Alyssa majored in elementary education, and Kate majored in early childhood education, it was the best bonding time at work laughing at different things people printed on the 3D printers. Through these years, Kate and Alyssa’s friendship has grown & always leaves with the biggest and best hugs from Katie Lynn. Without Kate, Alyssa wouldn't know about true kindness. Alyssa also wouldn’t be as trendy without Kate sharing her killer finds from old navy!
Brooke Lenneman
Bridesmaid
Alyssa and Brooke met through.....twitter?! In 2014, Alyssa and Brooke both had One Direction twitter fan pages. After getting tickets for the One Direction tour, On the Road Again, Brooke connected Alyssa with Abby (who you'll learn about in the next bridesmaid story below). This trio has done everything together, such as having matching One Direction tattoos, and completing their masters program with one another (class of 2026)! Brooke is always down for a good time, that always ends in smiles and laughs. Without Brooke, Alyssa wouldn’t have known about a true loving friend. She also feels more sane in her teaching job and masters classes since she has Brooke by her side.
Abby Tollas
Bridesmaid
Alyssa and Abby met through......yep...you guessed it....twitter! After meeting at the One Direction tour, On the Road Again, Abby and Alyssa don't go a time without seeing one another without laughing. This trio has done everything together, such as having matching One Direction tattoos, and completing their masters program with one another (class of 2026)! Without Abby, Alyssa wouldn’t feel as sane in her masters classes & overall teaching jobs they both share a commonality in. Alyssa also wouldn’t have as many belly laughs in her lifetime without Abby!
Maddie Sabella
Bridesmaid
Alyssa and Maddie met during their time at Iowa State University, and really hit it off at their shifts at the Center for Technology in Learning and Teaching, and their homemade pizza nights over at Reegan's apartment. Through their classes together, too many nights on Welch Ave with Armie, Maddie and Alyssa are inseparable! Alyssa and Maddie have the same exact humor and vibe, so watch out when you're near both of them! Without Maddie, Alyssa never would've known genuine friendship, and also would've never known what a smiski is!
Zach Goldstein
Best Man
Zach and I met during our freshman year at UND, living just a few doors down in the same dorm. What started as casual weekend hangouts quickly turned into a close friendship, and we ended up rooming together for the rest of college. Despite our different academic paths Zach pursuing aviation and computer science while I was still figuring things out, we clicked instantly. Our weekends were filled with music, games, and get-togethers, while weeknights were for winding down with TV shows and the occasional 'big brain night'. Zach has a way of making any situation fun, and we’ve always shared a mutual ability to crack each other up. He’s been a constant in my life, and I’m honored to have him standing beside me as my best man.
Tom Azar
Groomsman
Tom is my second youngest brother, and he’s the one who got me into golf. His patience and skill on the course have helped me enjoy the game more, even if I’m still trying to catch up with him. Speaking of that, it’s funny that once I started picking up a video game he played, he basically dropped it and started playing one I used to play and once I finally picked up fantasy football he stopped playing. I thought the older brother was supposed to be the tone setter! Tom might be the funniest out of all my brothers and I, he's not a standup comedian so don’t ask him tell jokes but has funny quips or sayings that make my whole family laugh. He’s got a great sense of timing and a laid-back charm that makes him a joy to be around.
Robbie Azar
Groomsman
Robbie is my youngest brother, and I’ve loved watching him grow into his own. Whether it’s cheering him on at baseball games or watching him play JV hockey for Edina, I’ve always been proud of his dedication and energy. Because he's the youngest brother he was given several nicknames such as, Bobo (the one that’s stuck around), "The face", Bobarian, and Birdie. Theres more but it goes to show what being around three hyperactive brothers brings. He’s got a bright future ahead, and it’s been amazing to see him develop overtime, and I've always seen him younger than he is. Robbie brings a spark to our family, and I’m excited to have him be part of this special day.
Trevor Budhram
Groomsman
Trevor and I became friends in Southview Middle School, but our bond really strengthened when we started working together at Braemar Ice Arena. That job gave us plenty of time to talk and joke. Whether it’s video games or sports, we’ve always pushed each other to improve. We’re on the same team but sometimes I can get a little hotheaded. Weekends were often spent hanging out with our crew, and even online, Trevor’s competitive spirit and wit kept things interesting. He’s one of the few people who matches my drive, and that’s made our friendship both fun and motivating. I am also thrilled to have him included in the wedding party, partly because I stood in his, but mostly because he’s the reason Alyssa and I met in the first place!
Nick Swanberg
Groomsman
Nick and I go back to middle school, where we first met playing on the same hockey team. Over the years, he’s introduced new sports into our circle like football and golf which added a fresh dynamic to our group. He’s been the kind of friend to bring us together, whether it’s organizing a tee time or rallying us for a trip to Bario (RIP St. Paul Bario). From teenage years to adulthood, Nick has remained a loyal and steady presence in my life. His easygoing nature and unique knack for organizing hangouts make him someone I’ve always enjoyed having around.
Aidan Mackay
Groomsman
Aidan and I first connected through hockey in middle school, and we quickly became close friends. Before heading off to high school in Switzerland, we spent a lot of time together on and off the ice. His move abroad gave us the perfect excuse for a two-week trip to Europe, which Trevor and Nick also joined. That trip was unforgettable and deepened our bond. Aidan’s passion for music, movies, and more recently, books, has sparked countless conversations. His obsession with ancient Rome has even rubbed off on me I’ve found myself diving into history to learn more. He’s thoughtful, curious, and always brings something new to the table.
Nathan Schneider
Groomsman
Nathan and I met during my first day back to second semester at UND, and we’ve been friends ever since. He was one of the first people to make me feel at home on campus. We bonded over UND hockey games, which were always a blast, and shared some unforgettable experiences like our junior year trip to Canada, my first time visiting. His house during college, affectionately dubbed “the zoo,” was always lively thanks to the cats and dogs roaming around. Nathan’s laid-back vibe and sense of humor have made every hangout memorable. He’s been a solid friend through it all.
